Astigmatism, LASIK

Astigmatism develops when the corneal focusing surface of the eye is not spherical. Instead the cornea has different curvatures of focus creating image splitting blurred vision.

astigmatism

Astigmatism splits focus locations resulting in blur

Correction of most astigmatism can be optical (glasses and contact lenses) or surgical (Laser Vision Correction – LASIK).

To evaluate the curvatures of the eye it is necessary to take measurements. Instruments that for such determinations could be a basic optical keratometer:

keratometer

Optical keratometer

Or for more complex evaluations a digital topographer:

digital pentacam topographer

Digital pentacam topographer

Treating Astigmatism

Glasses can be prescribed to restore image clarity by joining the blurred separated images:

astigmatism treatment glasses

Glasses bring split images closer

Similarly with contact lenses:

contacts treat astigmatism

Contact lenses bring split images closer

In select cases astigmatism patients can benefit from Laser Vision Correction LV or LASIK surgery. If a patient has a clinically significant cataract and coexisting stigmatism corrected femtosecond lasers can be used to address both conditions in one setting.